Christine Corelli

Where can you find more customers? If you've been chasing some of your competitors' customers for a while, you already know that bringing new customers into your fold is not an easy task.

Join the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) and author Christine Corelli for the webinar, "Capture Your Competitors' Customers and Keep Them," Thursday, December 6, at 10:00 a.m. (PST). Based on Corelli's newest book release of the same title, this presentation will identify real-world strategies and tactics of smart businesses and sales professionals who have successfully swayed customers over to their place of business, gained market share and obtained the highest levels of customer loyalty.

During this webinar, you will learn the following:

• Proven selling techniques for today's new and often ruthless business arena where new customers are up for grabs.
• Protect what's yours! How to guard your own customers from predators and make them—and therefore yourself—less vulnerable to your competitors' wiles.
• Gain the very highest levels of customer loyalty and increase sales through a sales-service excellence culture that ensures you keep your new customers.

One thing is certain, there is no more business as usual! Join Corelli and SEI, Thursday, December 6, at 10:00 a.m. (PST) and learn how to take charge of your own business growth by taking over where your competition has been careless.

Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember: SEMA webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

	Christine Corelli

Where can you find more customers? If you've been chasing some of your competitors' customers for a while, you already know that bringing new customers into your fold is not an easy task.

Join the SEMA Education Institute (SEI) and author Christine Corelli for the webinar, "Capture Your Competitors' Customers and Keep Them," Thursday, December 6, at 10:00 a.m. (PST). Based on Corelli's newest book release of the same title, this presentation will identify real-world strategies and tactics of smart businesses and sales professionals who have successfully swayed customers over to their place of business, gained market share and obtained the highest levels of customer loyalty.

During this webinar, you will learn the following:

• Proven selling techniques for today's new and often ruthless business arena where new customers are up for grabs.
• Protect what's yours! How to guard your own customers from predators and make them—and therefore yourself—less vulnerable to your competitors' wiles.
• Gain the very highest levels of customer loyalty and increase sales through a sales-service excellence culture that ensures you keep your new customers.

One thing is certain, there is no more business as usual! Join Corelli and SEI, Thursday, December 6, at 10:00 a.m. (PST) and learn how to take charge of your own business growth by taking over where your competition has been careless.

Participate live or download the webinar when it’s convenient. And remember: SEMA webinars are free to SEMA members and only $29 for non-members.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Contacts: 
SEMA: Peter MacGillivray, 909/802-8841, peterm@sema.org 
PRI: John Kilroy, 949/499-5413, johnk@performanceracing.com 
IMIS: Joe Crowley, 317/875-3388, ext. 805, joe.crowley@truespeedcommunication.com 

 

SEMA UNIFIES RACING INDUSTRY TRADE SHOWS

• SEMA acquires the International Motorsports Industry Show.
• IMIS to be consolidated with the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show, which returns to Indianapolis for 2013 and beyond.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (Nov. 19, 2012) --The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced it has finalized an agreement to purchase the International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS), the racing trade show that has been held annually in Indianapolis since 2009.

The IMIS will be consolidated with the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show, which returns to Indianapolis for 2013 and beyond. The 2013 PRI Trade Show will occupy the entire Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, with Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Show days, December 12-14, 2013.

The acquisition unifies the racing industry's two trade shows into one, creating the opportunity for exhibitors and buyers to do business in a single location.

"The racing industry needed to have just one motorsports trade show in the U.S. I'm proud to say we've accomplished that," said Scooter Brothers, SEMA chairman of the Board of Directors. "We have all worked toward a common goal, and have succeeded on behalf of the industry. To have a single home for the racing trade show is clearly the best thing for the industry, and working together with Chris Paulsen (co-founder of IMIS), we got it done."

Both the PRI and IMIS trade shows will take place as scheduled for 2012. The PRI Trade Show will be held November 29-December 1, in Orlando. The IMIS will be held December 6-8, in Indianapolis. The IMIS transaction is set to close in December 2012. 

"We formed IMIS in 2009 to bring a hardcore racing tradeshow back to Indianapolis," Paulsen said. "We grew a lot faster than we ever could have dreamed of and we couldn't be happier that a hardcore racing tradeshow will remain in Indianapolis for years to come. SEMA will be great stewards of the hardcore racing industry and I couldn't be more pleased that Indianapolis will remain the center of motorsports both on and off the track."

"Being from Indiana, having a hardcore racing trade show in Indianapolis was very important to me," said Tony Stewart, three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and co-founder of IMIS. "That's why I got involved with Chris and Jeff (Stoops, co-founder of IMIS) to help form IMIS and bring back a show to Indianapolis. I know SEMA will do a great job to make sure Indy remains the place for hardcore racing. The State of Indiana and City of Indianapolis, especially Governor Mitch Daniels and Mayor Greg Ballard, were huge allies of the show and I know the city and state will continue to help grow the motorsports industry in Indiana." 

The 2013 PRI Trade Show will be organized and produced by the PRI team based in Laguna Beach, California, with John Kilroy at the helm as Vice President/General Manager. This year's PRI Trade Show in Orlando is the 25^th edition. PRI also publishes the racing industry's only business magazine.

"We are excited to bring the PRI Trade Show back to Indianapolis, where exhibitors and buyers experienced six very successful racing industry trade shows, from 1998 to 2004," said Kilroy. "Chris Paulsen, Jeff Stoops, Tony Stewart and the entire IMIS team have done an excellent job starting up a new racing trade show, and we promise to build on their mission to keep Indianapolis the annual epicenter of new racing technology."

"This consolidation is all about helping the racing industry to succeed," said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. "Unifying the racing industry's trade shows makes it more affordable for all to participate and allows us to focus on providing the greatest value and benefits for the racing segment. Look for the association to be adding resources and services to help participants get maximum value from the PRI Show in Indy."    

ABOUT SEMA:
Founded in 1963, the SEMA trade association provides services and resources to businesses in the automotive specialty equipment industry. Members include manufacturers, distributors, retailers and marketers of products that enhance the styling and functionality of cars, trucks and SUVs. In addition to producing the premier automotive accessories trade show, where more than 100,000 individuals come to do business, SEMA offers education, research and several publications specifically targeted to the industry. The association also represents its members with a legislative advocacy group. SEMA acquired PRI in March, 2012.

ABOUT PRI:
The Performance Racing Industry (PRI) serves the racing industry through the PRI trade show and the PRI Magazine. With more than 1,000 companies exhibiting at the annual trade show, the event is the world's largest auto racing trade show and the gateway to the worldwide racing marketplace. The monthly magazine complements the show with issues between 130-380+ pages and is recognized as the "voice of the racing marketplace." PRI was purchased by SEMA in March, 2012.

ABOUT IMIS:
The International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS) is the United States' premier hardcore racing trade show, conducted each year at the Indiana Convention Center and owned by Chris Paulsen, owner of C&R Racing, Jeff Stoops, president of Stoops Freightliner, and three-time and reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart. From car builders to tire manufacturers to parts suppliers, every aspect of motorsports is represented at IMIS, which has a lifetime contract with the City of Indianapolis and reserved show dates through 2017. Nearly 25,000 attendees are expected for IMIS, which will feature more than 530 motorsports companies, including more than 100 that are new for 2012. And with several longtime exhibitors expanding their booths this year, the 2012 IMIS show floor will be bigger and better than ever.

For more information, visit www.performanceracing.com, www.sema.org or http://www.imis-indy.com.

###

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Contacts: 
SEMA: Peter MacGillivray, 909/802-8841, peterm@sema.org 
PRI: John Kilroy, 949/499-5413, johnk@performanceracing.com 
IMIS: Joe Crowley, 317/875-3388, ext. 805, joe.crowley@truespeedcommunication.com 

 

SEMA UNIFIES RACING INDUSTRY TRADE SHOWS

• SEMA acquires the International Motorsports Industry Show.
• IMIS to be consolidated with the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show, which returns to Indianapolis for 2013 and beyond.

DIAMOND BAR, CA (Nov. 19, 2012) --The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) announced it has finalized an agreement to purchase the International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS), the racing trade show that has been held annually in Indianapolis since 2009.

The IMIS will be consolidated with the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show, which returns to Indianapolis for 2013 and beyond. The 2013 PRI Trade Show will occupy the entire Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, with Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Show days, December 12-14, 2013.

The acquisition unifies the racing industry's two trade shows into one, creating the opportunity for exhibitors and buyers to do business in a single location.

"The racing industry needed to have just one motorsports trade show in the U.S. I'm proud to say we've accomplished that," said Scooter Brothers, SEMA chairman of the Board of Directors. "We have all worked toward a common goal, and have succeeded on behalf of the industry. To have a single home for the racing trade show is clearly the best thing for the industry, and working together with Chris Paulsen (co-founder of IMIS), we got it done."

Both the PRI and IMIS trade shows will take place as scheduled for 2012. The PRI Trade Show will be held November 29-December 1, in Orlando. The IMIS will be held December 6-8, in Indianapolis. The IMIS transaction is set to close in December 2012. 

"We formed IMIS in 2009 to bring a hardcore racing tradeshow back to Indianapolis," Paulsen said. "We grew a lot faster than we ever could have dreamed of and we couldn't be happier that a hardcore racing tradeshow will remain in Indianapolis for years to come. SEMA will be great stewards of the hardcore racing industry and I couldn't be more pleased that Indianapolis will remain the center of motorsports both on and off the track."

"Being from Indiana, having a hardcore racing trade show in Indianapolis was very important to me," said Tony Stewart, three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion and co-founder of IMIS. "That's why I got involved with Chris and Jeff (Stoops, co-founder of IMIS) to help form IMIS and bring back a show to Indianapolis. I know SEMA will do a great job to make sure Indy remains the place for hardcore racing. The State of Indiana and City of Indianapolis, especially Governor Mitch Daniels and Mayor Greg Ballard, were huge allies of the show and I know the city and state will continue to help grow the motorsports industry in Indiana." 

The 2013 PRI Trade Show will be organized and produced by the PRI team based in Laguna Beach, California, with John Kilroy at the helm as Vice President/General Manager. This year's PRI Trade Show in Orlando is the 25^th edition. PRI also publishes the racing industry's only business magazine.

"We are excited to bring the PRI Trade Show back to Indianapolis, where exhibitors and buyers experienced six very successful racing industry trade shows, from 1998 to 2004," said Kilroy. "Chris Paulsen, Jeff Stoops, Tony Stewart and the entire IMIS team have done an excellent job starting up a new racing trade show, and we promise to build on their mission to keep Indianapolis the annual epicenter of new racing technology."

"This consolidation is all about helping the racing industry to succeed," said SEMA President and CEO Chris Kersting. "Unifying the racing industry's trade shows makes it more affordable for all to participate and allows us to focus on providing the greatest value and benefits for the racing segment. Look for the association to be adding resources and services to help participants get maximum value from the PRI Show in Indy."    

ABOUT SEMA:
Founded in 1963, the SEMA trade association provides services and resources to businesses in the automotive specialty equipment industry. Members include manufacturers, distributors, retailers and marketers of products that enhance the styling and functionality of cars, trucks and SUVs. In addition to producing the premier automotive accessories trade show, where more than 100,000 individuals come to do business, SEMA offers education, research and several publications specifically targeted to the industry. The association also represents its members with a legislative advocacy group. SEMA acquired PRI in March, 2012.

ABOUT PRI:
The Performance Racing Industry (PRI) serves the racing industry through the PRI trade show and the PRI Magazine. With more than 1,000 companies exhibiting at the annual trade show, the event is the world's largest auto racing trade show and the gateway to the worldwide racing marketplace. The monthly magazine complements the show with issues between 130-380+ pages and is recognized as the "voice of the racing marketplace." PRI was purchased by SEMA in March, 2012.

ABOUT IMIS:
The International Motorsports Industry Show (IMIS) is the United States' premier hardcore racing trade show, conducted each year at the Indiana Convention Center and owned by Chris Paulsen, owner of C&R Racing, Jeff Stoops, president of Stoops Freightliner, and three-time and reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Tony Stewart. From car builders to tire manufacturers to parts suppliers, every aspect of motorsports is represented at IMIS, which has a lifetime contract with the City of Indianapolis and reserved show dates through 2017. Nearly 25,000 attendees are expected for IMIS, which will feature more than 530 motorsports companies, including more than 100 that are new for 2012. And with several longtime exhibitors expanding their booths this year, the 2012 IMIS show floor will be bigger and better than ever.

For more information, visit www.performanceracing.com, www.sema.org or http://www.imis-indy.com.

###

 

As the fight to defend the automotive hobby continues, the opportunity to showcase the SEMA Action Network’s (SAN) efforts to the specialty-equipment industry remains critical. SEMA-member businesses represent an integral component in successfully reaching lawmakers with a unified message on important legislation.

Five-hundred industry representatives enlisted with the SAN over the course of the recently concluded SEMA Show. Amid a sea of eye-catching vehicles and exhibitions, the SAN display featured appearances by automotive industry icons Courtney Hansen, Jimmy Shine and his ’34 Ford hot rod. SAN members themselves, Hansen and Shine, promoted SEMA’s grassroots lobbying network in addition to meeting and greeting attendees. Shine’s trend-setting pickup served as a symbol of the type of vehicle many states seek to restrict and regulate. Once the dust settled, this combination of elements helped to increase awareness of SEMA’s government affairs efforts among the automotive business community and attracted favorable media attention for the cause.

“With support from Courtney and Jimmy, we demonstrated for Show attendees the benefits of joining the premier organization defending the rights of vehicle enthusiasts,” said SAN Director Colby Martin. “As we ready ourselves for the 2013 legislative sessions, the active participation of SAN members, both newbies and veterans, industry members and hobbyists, will help protect our automotive passion for this generation and generations to come.”

Show your support for this effort by joining the SAN for free at www.SEMAsan.com/Join and encourage your co-workers and customers to follow suit. For more information, contact Colby Martin at 909-978-6721 or ColbyM@sema.org.

Staff from SEMA-member company LGE*CTS Motorsports posed with Jimmy "Shine" Falschlehner’s SAN-adorned ’34 Ford hot rod. From left: Dale Thomas, Sara Morosan, Jimmy Shine, SAN Director Colby Martin, Theresa Contreras and Louis Morosan. Photo: Bryce Martin	Courtney Hansen signed autographs for attendees on the SEMA Show’s opening day.
Jimmy Shine (center) spread the word of the SAN with "Rod & Custom Radio" host Brad Fanshaw and comedian Christopher Titus on the air during the SEMA Show. Photo: Bryce Martin	Legendary customizer Gene Winfield took action by joining the SAN. Photo: Jimmy Shine
Adam Carolla and Matt D'Andria, hosts of Adam Carolla's "CarCast," spoke with Colby Martin about the SAN’s efforts live at the SEMA Show. Here is a link to the recording: http://bit.ly/TANdl3. Photo: Chris Laxamana, Courtesy AceCarCast.com	Eric Gullett from Coker Tire also stopped by the SAN display to get involved.

As the fight to defend the automotive hobby continues, the opportunity to showcase the SEMA Action Network’s (SAN) efforts to the specialty-equipment industry remains critical. SEMA-member businesses represent an integral component in successfully reaching lawmakers with a unified message on important legislation.

Five-hundred industry representatives enlisted with the SAN over the course of the recently concluded SEMA Show. Amid a sea of eye-catching vehicles and exhibitions, the SAN display featured appearances by automotive industry icons Courtney Hansen, Jimmy Shine and his ’34 Ford hot rod. SAN members themselves, Hansen and Shine, promoted SEMA’s grassroots lobbying network in addition to meeting and greeting attendees. Shine’s trend-setting pickup served as a symbol of the type of vehicle many states seek to restrict and regulate. Once the dust settled, this combination of elements helped to increase awareness of SEMA’s government affairs efforts among the automotive business community and attracted favorable media attention for the cause.

“With support from Courtney and Jimmy, we demonstrated for Show attendees the benefits of joining the premier organization defending the rights of vehicle enthusiasts,” said SAN Director Colby Martin. “As we ready ourselves for the 2013 legislative sessions, the active participation of SAN members, both newbies and veterans, industry members and hobbyists, will help protect our automotive passion for this generation and generations to come.”

Show your support for this effort by joining the SAN for free at www.SEMAsan.com/Join and encourage your co-workers and customers to follow suit. For more information, contact Colby Martin at 909-978-6721 or ColbyM@sema.org.

Staff from SEMA-member company LGE*CTS Motorsports posed with Jimmy "Shine" Falschlehner’s SAN-adorned ’34 Ford hot rod. From left: Dale Thomas, Sara Morosan, Jimmy Shine, SAN Director Colby Martin, Theresa Contreras and Louis Morosan. Photo: Bryce Martin	Courtney Hansen signed autographs for attendees on the SEMA Show’s opening day.
Jimmy Shine (center) spread the word of the SAN with "Rod & Custom Radio" host Brad Fanshaw and comedian Christopher Titus on the air during the SEMA Show. Photo: Bryce Martin	Legendary customizer Gene Winfield took action by joining the SAN. Photo: Jimmy Shine
Adam Carolla and Matt D'Andria, hosts of Adam Carolla's "CarCast," spoke with Colby Martin about the SAN’s efforts live at the SEMA Show. Here is a link to the recording: http://bit.ly/TANdl3. Photo: Chris Laxamana, Courtesy AceCarCast.com	Eric Gullett from Coker Tire also stopped by the SAN display to get involved.

As the fight to defend the automotive hobby continues, the opportunity to showcase the SEMA Action Network’s (SAN) efforts to the specialty-equipment industry remains critical. SEMA-member businesses represent an integral component in successfully reaching lawmakers with a unified message on important legislation.

Five-hundred industry representatives enlisted with the SAN over the course of the recently concluded SEMA Show. Amid a sea of eye-catching vehicles and exhibitions, the SAN display featured appearances by automotive industry icons Courtney Hansen, Jimmy Shine and his ’34 Ford hot rod. SAN members themselves, Hansen and Shine, promoted SEMA’s grassroots lobbying network in addition to meeting and greeting attendees. Shine’s trend-setting pickup served as a symbol of the type of vehicle many states seek to restrict and regulate. Once the dust settled, this combination of elements helped to increase awareness of SEMA’s government affairs efforts among the automotive business community and attracted favorable media attention for the cause.

“With support from Courtney and Jimmy, we demonstrated for Show attendees the benefits of joining the premier organization defending the rights of vehicle enthusiasts,” said SAN Director Colby Martin. “As we ready ourselves for the 2013 legislative sessions, the active participation of SAN members, both newbies and veterans, industry members and hobbyists, will help protect our automotive passion for this generation and generations to come.”

Show your support for this effort by joining the SAN for free at www.SEMAsan.com/Join and encourage your co-workers and customers to follow suit. For more information, contact Colby Martin at 909-978-6721 or ColbyM@sema.org.

Staff from SEMA-member company LGE*CTS Motorsports posed with Jimmy "Shine" Falschlehner’s SAN-adorned ’34 Ford hot rod. From left: Dale Thomas, Sara Morosan, Jimmy Shine, SAN Director Colby Martin, Theresa Contreras and Louis Morosan. Photo: Bryce Martin	Courtney Hansen signed autographs for attendees on the SEMA Show’s opening day.
Jimmy Shine (center) spread the word of the SAN with "Rod & Custom Radio" host Brad Fanshaw and comedian Christopher Titus on the air during the SEMA Show. Photo: Bryce Martin	Legendary customizer Gene Winfield took action by joining the SAN. Photo: Jimmy Shine
Adam Carolla and Matt D'Andria, hosts of Adam Carolla's "CarCast," spoke with Colby Martin about the SAN’s efforts live at the SEMA Show. Here is a link to the recording: http://bit.ly/TANdl3. Photo: Chris Laxamana, Courtesy AceCarCast.com	Eric Gullett from Coker Tire also stopped by the SAN display to get involved.

	All NMRA event winners will now be eligible for contingency payments of $300 per product.

NMRA Factory Stock And Coyote Stock Racers Earn $300/$150 Contingency Rewards in 2013
The NMRA Ford Nationals has announced an increase in contingency payments for Nitto Tire Factory Stock and Strange Engineering Coyote Stock (presented by 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords) finalists in 2013 and beyond. All NMRA event winners will now be eligible for contingency payments of $300 per product (and decal on car) creating a lucrative increase in payout for both categories. The runner up at each event will also be able to claim contingency payments of $150 per product and decal.

For some racers, it could mean their winning prize in Factory Stock is more than $4,000 when combined with the purse. On the Coyote Stock front, a few racers will take home more than $3,500 with purse and contingency. The contingency program is designed to reward racers for racing and winning with certain components. Manufacturers and companies post eligible parts, and if a racer runs that part and the required decal, that person is eligible for a cash payment if they are the winner or runner-up. The NMRA Tech Department vigorously inspects each vehicle to ensure the components and decals are present through the duration of the NMRA national event. For internal parts, such as pistons, the manufacturer usually requires a receipt for proof of purchase. The contingency program is effective thanks to exposure through NMRA promotional services and racers taking the time to build their cars using the contingency list in order to maximize potential payouts.

Traxxas Crew Wins 2012 Full Throttle Hard Working Crew Award
The rookie season for Courtney Force culminated recently at the Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, California, with her Traxxas Ford Mustang crew winning the 2012 Full Throttle Hard Working Crew Award in the Funny Car category. Force’s Traxxas Ford Mustang team led by crew chief Ron Douglas and assistant crew chief Dan Hood was nominated for their winning performance in Seattle after qualifying 14th for the NHRA Northwest Nationals.

This was the third consecutive Hard Working Crew for John Force Racing. Last year Robert Hight’s Auto Club took the $25,000 prize for their efforts in Topeka and, in 2010, it was Ashley Force Hood’s Castrol GTX crew coming out on top for guiding her to back-to-back Mac Tools US Nationals wins.

Force’s Traxxas crew helped her reach four finals this season and win in Seattle. They were also No. 1 qualifier twice (Indianapolis and Dallas) and qualified for every race this season.

	All NMRA event winners will now be eligible for contingency payments of $300 per product.

NMRA Factory Stock And Coyote Stock Racers Earn $300/$150 Contingency Rewards in 2013
The NMRA Ford Nationals has announced an increase in contingency payments for Nitto Tire Factory Stock and Strange Engineering Coyote Stock (presented by 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords) finalists in 2013 and beyond. All NMRA event winners will now be eligible for contingency payments of $300 per product (and decal on car) creating a lucrative increase in payout for both categories. The runner up at each event will also be able to claim contingency payments of $150 per product and decal.

For some racers, it could mean their winning prize in Factory Stock is more than $4,000 when combined with the purse. On the Coyote Stock front, a few racers will take home more than $3,500 with purse and contingency. The contingency program is designed to reward racers for racing and winning with certain components. Manufacturers and companies post eligible parts, and if a racer runs that part and the required decal, that person is eligible for a cash payment if they are the winner or runner-up. The NMRA Tech Department vigorously inspects each vehicle to ensure the components and decals are present through the duration of the NMRA national event. For internal parts, such as pistons, the manufacturer usually requires a receipt for proof of purchase. The contingency program is effective thanks to exposure through NMRA promotional services and racers taking the time to build their cars using the contingency list in order to maximize potential payouts.

Traxxas Crew Wins 2012 Full Throttle Hard Working Crew Award
The rookie season for Courtney Force culminated recently at the Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood, California, with her Traxxas Ford Mustang crew winning the 2012 Full Throttle Hard Working Crew Award in the Funny Car category. Force’s Traxxas Ford Mustang team led by crew chief Ron Douglas and assistant crew chief Dan Hood was nominated for their winning performance in Seattle after qualifying 14th for the NHRA Northwest Nationals.

This was the third consecutive Hard Working Crew for John Force Racing. Last year Robert Hight’s Auto Club took the $25,000 prize for their efforts in Topeka and, in 2010, it was Ashley Force Hood’s Castrol GTX crew coming out on top for guiding her to back-to-back Mac Tools US Nationals wins.

Force’s Traxxas crew helped her reach four finals this season and win in Seattle. They were also No. 1 qualifier twice (Indianapolis and Dallas) and qualified for every race this season.

	Through its press conference held in the Global Tire Expo area at the 2012 SEMA Show, the Tire Industry Association discussed its direction and plans for 2012, which include its ongoing commitments to safety and education.

The Tire Industry Association (TIA) held a press conference in the Global Tire Expo area of the 2012 SEMA Show to highlight the current focus, goals and direction of the 90-year-old association that represents all segments of the national and international tire industry.

Here is a breakdown of the announcements.

New TIA President Outlines Goals
New TIA President Randy Groh accepted the position as head of TIA during the association's annual meeting the afternoon prior to the opening day of the 2012 SEMA Show. During his speech to TIA members, Groh emphasized that TIA's efforts over the next year will concentrate on two important aspects of the tire industry—successful government affairs and effective training programs for tire technicians.

"I have seen just how important it is to have strong advocates protecting and promoting this industry," Groh stated during the annual meeting. "The work that TIA does in government affairs needs everyone's support and attention, so that the bills that could have a damaging effect on businesses will not go unchallenged."

For training, Groh stated the importance for TIA to remain the center for training programs. "Automotive tires are highly engineered products that demand and require proper care during both mounting and use," he said. "Every tire dealer should have their entire staff of technicians trained to ensure that their customers are getting the safest possible service."

TIA Tagline Changed to "Tire Safety Starts Here"
In addition to explaining TIA's goals for 2012–2013, Groh also announced during the press conference that TIA has changed its tagline to "Tire Safety Starts Here." The change is in line with the association's efforts to to educate the general public about how to properly maintain tires.

"TIA felt its was important to educate the public about the critical aspects of properly maintaining the most important component of motor vehicles—tires," said Groh. "It is important to begin a comprehensive campaign to educate the public about maintaining their tires. The tagline will work on repeating the importance of safety with a series of sub-taglines consisting of 'Tire Safety Starts With Proper Tires Repair,' 'Tire Safety Starts With TPMS,' 'Tire Safety Starts With Inflation,' and 'Tire Safety Starts With Rotation."'

TIA Consumer Education Program for 2013
TIA announced its plans to develop an ongoing consumer education program beginning in 2013. TIA will launch a three- to five-minute video each quarter that supports the association's new tagline, "Tire Safety Starts Here." The videos, which will be available through the TIA website, will be accessible at no charge to consumers and retailers.

"These short videos will be focused on specific subjects that have a direct impact on tire safety for motorists," stated Groh. "We are encouraging consumers and retailers to download and distribute the information to promote the concepts of safe tire service and operation."

TIA plans to release the first video, "Tire Safety Starts With Proper Tire Repair," in early 2013.

16-City Certified ATS Training Tour for 2013
TIA will conduct its Automotive Tire Service Training Tour for 2013, and the four-day ATS Certified Instructor Course will visit 166 cities across the United States, with classes being held at community and technical colleges near the main metropolitan areas. The program provides in-depth and comprehensive instruction on the recommended procedures for servicing modern automobiles and light trucks. Designed for the professional passenger- and light-truck tire technician, subjects range from the relationship between torque and clamping force to the increasingly important TPMS relearn procedures on domestic and import vehicles.

The tentative locations and dates outlined by TIA are:

• February - St. Louis, Missouri; Miami, Florida
• March - Los Angeles, California; Phoenix, Arizona
• April - Boston, Massachusetts; Toledo, Ohio 
• May - Rochester, New York; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• June - Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Seattle, Washington 
• September - Tampa, Florida; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 
• October - Charlotte, North Carolina; Minneapolis, Minnesota 
• November - Jacksonville, Florida; Houston, Texas

TIA Passes Resolutions for 2013
TIA also announced that it has unanimously passed two resolutions that will both support the repeal of the estate tax and express complete opposition of a proposed credit card settlement. TIA says that in nationwide polls, small-business owners have expressed a deep concern regarding the death tax, and named it their primary legislative concern. TIA recognizes that many small businesses have non-liquid assets, such as land, buildings and equipment. This tax has an overwhelmingly harmful effect upon a small business.

Protecting family businesses from the estate tax is important to keeping small businesses operating for future generations, and to that end, TIA has resolved to support all federal legislation that will repeal the estate tax. TIA also said, if necessary, it will support legislation that will extend the current law of a 35% top rate and a $5 million exemption.

The second resolution focuses on the hardships that small businesses face in regards to credit card fees. These fees are the third-largest expense on a business, after labor and rent. Moreover, these interchange have tripled, according to TIA, since 2011, and have cost retailers and consumers approximately $48 million.

To combat the rising costs, more than 40 lawsuits have been combined in a class-action suit, suing VISA and MasterCard and their issuing banks. The Merchant Payment Coalition has been formed to seek a more transparent credit card system, which will better serve retailers and consumers alike.

More information about the Tire Industry Association is available online at www.tireindustry.org.